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sackerma26

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    New York, NY
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    Journalism

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  1. Is it worth going to journalism grad school? This is a question I ask myself almost on a daily basis. A little background: Growing up I wanted to be a journalist. I was the editor of my middle school newspaper and feature editor of my high school newspaper. But when deciding what to study in school, my journalism teacher encouraged me to apply for a Poli Sci degree because of the uncertainties of the field (this was back in 05). I took his advice and so far I've had a fairly successful career. I worked in congress, on political campaigns, and for the last 5 years or so I have worked in digital advocacy, mainly as a copywriter drafting email campaigns, blogs, web and social copy for major nonprofits, advocacy groups and politicians. I have a few connections in the journalism field already and once worked in a news room. I also have a 3.3 GPA (3.5 major) and a few publications under my belt, but they are all very old. I haven't decided if I will use those for my writing samples, or if I'll use something unpublished that is more recent. I am mostly interested in applying to schools in the NYC area where I currently reside. I also intend to only apply to schools that don't require the GRE as I do not have the time to spend studying for it (that means NYU is out and Columbia and CUNY are in). I love writing and politics, but I don't quite like the style of writing I do. At the end of the day, I much prefer to write in a more journalistic style. But sometimes I worry if my political experience would hurt my chances of becoming a journalist, or if they would help. I clearly can't claim I am not biased as I have a strong past working for Democrats and progressive causes. And then I continually ask myself, is it even worth going to journalism grad school at all? There's no doubt in my mind that I need to go to journalism school to make it in the field. My writing, while good, could be better. I really want to go to journalism school to improve my writing and also to make connections in the field. But when I do the math, it will cost me about $100K for a degree. On my current career path, I can expect to make close to 80K within 5 years. I know that's how much some editors make at major publications, and I can't assume I'll even be that successful. I recently inherited close to $100K and I'm wondering if I should spend this money going to grad school, even if my next career path won't necessarily make me more money (it could even make me less)? It's tempting, but so is buying a house or traveling the world. Thoughts on what I should do?
  2. I am beginning to consider a dual degree route and was wondering what others opinions were on this? I know for certain that I do not wish to be a lawyer, rather I wish to do policy analysis but at a high level. If anyone has pursued this path and would like to shed some light on what their stats and experiences were, I would find that greatly beneficial. My interest in this path is still very elementary. When I apply, I will have a few years work experience under my belt (political and policy analysis positions). I know this is beneficial for the MPP, but does it matter at all for law school? My GPA is only 3.3 and while I expect to do well on GRE/LSAT, I am realistic that I will receive a good score but by no means a perfect one. Good letters of rec from past employers is a given. I do not need to go to Harvard, just a high ranked program with good name recognition (Ex. UMD-- although I intend on applying to some top programs for good measure). If you know of some programs that have dual degree options, I would greatly appreciate you listing them here. Preferably if they are in an urban setting. Thanks!
  3. I know someone who got in with below that even. He was a former alum and UMD seems to be a school that is kind to former students. Apply!
  4. Honestly? No. When it comes down to it, its an ego thing.
  5. I notice that many are getting rejected from GSPP Berkeley from people who have fairly brag-worthy applications such as yours. Does anyone know exactly what then, this program is looking for?
  6. I have family there and the city and surrounding area are so beautiful!! And the campus is just gorgeous. Amazing old style buildings and houses everywhere. If you are a history buff or just have an appreciation for old architecture, then you will be in heaven. The weather is also fairly temperate although it's often overcast. It takes a bit to get to London. I wouldn't commute from Oxford to London. Regardless, it would be possible to travel to London a few times a week. London is also amazing although I actually prefer the country side. I wouldn't say Oxford is a great place for going out. It seems like a sleepy town to me.
  7. Wow thanks Fadeindreams! You might be an anomaly but I do appreciate the confidence boost. I know my GPA isn't terrible, but all the people on this forum (and others) seem to fall into two groups, 1) the overachievers who got 3.8/4.0 and aced the GRE or 2) the longshot who falls outside of the requirmenets. So it's difficult to discern how someone like me factors into the equation. I intend on studying for the GRE while I'm taking the course this Summer so we shall see how well that goes. I still could use suggestions for some "safety" MPP programs. Regardless of the program, I feel I need a masters if I'm ever to get the jobs I want in the future. And congrats on getting into Michigan! That is an amazing school!
  8. Also, I am open to suggestions for slightly less competitive schools then the usual highly coveted MPP programs. With a 3.3 GPA, I know that I have an uphill battle to get into these schools. So I'm asking for recommendations on slightly less competitive but still highly regarded programs. I know George Mason's average GPA is 3.3, does anyone have any opinions on this program?
  9. My dream school is Berkeley's GSPP. I got a 3.3 GPA and a 3.5 in my major. Work experience includes campaign assistant, congressional intern, deputy organizer. Hopefully will have one more job to add by the time I apply. I am enrolled to take an undergraduate course at Berkeley this Summer. Haven't taken the GRE but realistically it wont be anything above average. Resident of CA. Berkeley's website states a 3.6 average GPA and 710Q/630V/4.5W. It states 3.5 years of work experience is average but that work experience is not a requirement. Also states that being a resident of CA does not help application, but I have heard a great deal contrary to that. So should I not get my hopes up?
  10. I know someone who got into UMD's MPP program who had a similar, if not worse GPA than yours and the UMD is ranked 9 in US News World Report. He was only a year out of college however, the fact that he was an alum of Maryland already definetly helped I'm sure. Needless to say, your stats sound somewhat better than his so I think you have a good chance.
  11. I was wondering this as well. I received a 3.3 in my undergrad and I am taking an undergraduate course this Summer. Will this course be calculated in my GPA?
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